San Mg Bu Pm As 6Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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Explanation of the Yebhuyyasikā Sutta (Decision by Majority)
Background
The Yebhuyyasikā Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, an important part of the Pāli Canon. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the body of monastic regulations that Śākyamuni Buddha established for the community of monks and nuns (Saṅgha) in order to maintain discipline, harmony, and purity within the community of practitioners.
This sutta belongs to the Bhikkhu-Vibhaṅga, the disciplinary section concerning bhikkhus, specifically among the regulations on handling disputes, violations, and internal matters of the Sangha. The title “Yebhuyyasikā” or “Majority Decision” makes clear that the content of the sutta concerns a way of making decisions based on the opinion of the majority of Sangha members.
The historical background of this sutta arose from real situations in the Sangha community: when there were disputes, violations of the Vinaya, or matters needing resolution, the Buddha prescribed fair methods for reaching decisions. The method of “decision by majority” is one of the most important means of reconciliation, reflecting principles of collective responsibility and communal governance within the Sangha.
Main Content
The Yebhuyyasikā Sutta primarily regulates how the Sangha makes decisions when there is division or dispute. According to this principle, when a matter is brought before the Sangha for discussion, one does not rely only on the opinions of the elders or the most skilled preachers, but must take into account the opinions of all monks and nuns qualified to participate in the decision.
A decision is regarded as lawful when the majority (yebhuyyā, “the greater part”) of Sangha members agree on a matter. This includes cases such as handling monks or nuns who have violated the Vinaya, resolving doctrinal disputes, or performing Sangha rites.
This method of decision by majority is applied through specific forms such as voting, raising hands, or collective action carried out with witnesses.
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